Quote Originally Posted by 14Russian View Post
You have good points but you omit one crucial aspect. Ukrainians have not objected much to the American/Western interference (for whatever reason). I have discussed the issue with Ukrainians and urged them to be skeptical, cynical and suspicious (to put it mildly) with respect to the interventionist policy of the West. The 'pro-Russia' side is already but their bias is based on being pro-Soviet or pro-neo-Soviet. There's no other reason.

However, other Ukrainians see Russia interfering as entirely negative and the historical relevance justifies the large percentage of the population which are extremely concerned about Russia's interference of the situation. Even Russia's own citizens are neglected and under threat in Russia. Their rights are trampled. Many Ukrainians don't want this problem. They feel they can deal with the other problem, the West's meddling.
It's up to Ukrainian citizens to realize that neither side gives them a great advantage but they must have the right and freedom to figure it out. It's obvious and apparent that Russia (read Putin and friends) don't want to give Ukrainians that opportunity. The Kremlin had full control over Ukraine. They had two Presidential candidates that were Kremlin-friendly and more or less did what they wanted. They're not happy not to have that influence. Putin et al. doesn't care if this conflict blows over into violence. It's all strategy and trying to control. The other thing few people mention is how extensive the Kremlin-based media is. They seem to be everywhere. It's difficult to get real answers. But, when one realizes that no one wants these hostile 'pro-Russia' personnel there who have committed violent and aggressive acts, you can notice who is really at fault here. Ukrainians can deal with their own problems and citizens. So, Russia should let them. I am against the interim government and think many Ukrainians need to realize what is going on but Russia/Putin should stay out of it.

'2. The US and the EU refuse to even discuss a Federalization of Ukraine. They also refuse to discuss Ukraine being a neutral country.'
It would be good but how can they remain neutral or discuss Federalism if Russian provocateurs and unmarked soldiers are attacking their citizens?
Well, the eastern Ukrainians wouldn't object to Russian intervention. But that's cool because now Ukraine has a new government that will always represent the Western Ukrainians. If the eastern Ukrainians want representation they can get it from Moscow. They obviously won't find it in the new Ukrainian government.
Btw, did you read the news in Komsomolskaya Pravda today? Oleg Tsarev said that Russian-speaking Ukrainians will have no voice in the new government, even if they win the Presidency. I don't know that it's true but it wouldn't be hard to believe.

You said "Even Russia's own citizens are neglected and under threat in Russia. Their rights are trampled."
Is that why Abby Martin is allowed to speak against Putin's policies on Russia Today? And that's not the only example I've seen, btw. As for "neglected and under threat", that sounds a lot like the US right now. Did you see the peaceful Occupy protesters being pepper sprayed, beaten, and arrested in the US? It was all over the news. Tbh, after everything I've heard and read about Russia, I would live there in a heartbeat. I would be more concerned about being neglected, being under threat, and having my rights trampled in the US. That's been all over the Western media too.

2. The unmarked eastern Ukrainian militia is aggressive because Kiev refuses to discuss those issues.

Provocateurs? Okay. Let's look at the whole picture.
1. Kiev signs an EU aggreement that forces Ukraine to choose sides. Putin was willing to let Ukraine get help from both sides.
2. Title 7 and Title 9 in that document force Ukraine to accept NATO.
3. The first serious NATO aggression was in Georgia. That threat was cancelled by the Georgia invasion.
4. The second serious NATO aggression was in Ukraine. That's still undecided but it has a lot to do with certain factories and the east Russian border security.
5. The third serious NATO aggression is happening now in the Baltic states. The Ukraine crisis is being used to support that threat so it's very important for people to believe that protests are being caused by Russian citizens.
6. What this leads to is an excuse to attack the Russian economy with sanctions.

It's an amazing Western strategy but I doubt that it will work. President Putin made one of his most brilliant moves when he annexed Crimea.
Another brilliant move was when he signed the Eurasian agreement with Kazakhstan and Belarus yesterday.
He has also created stronger ties with China and doubled the export of gas to that region. And don't forget the new pipeline deal in Korea.

Having Crimea deletes a lot of the Western threat to SW Russia. And if the SE Ukrainian conflict is blocking serious talks on Federalization and neutrality, then you want me to believe that Russia is intentionally working against itself. I don't believe that.
Other brilliant moves are the creation of a Russian credit system and switching trade eastward. I've never been more impressed with Russia than I am right now.
But the uncertainty in Ukraine and the build-up of NATO troops in the Baltic states are a serious threat to Russia's ability to defend itself. It's turning NATO's alleged self-defense role into a military act of aggression.

But what's really scary is what happens next. The NATO aggression will force Russia to re-start the Arms Race. Can you guess what happens next?
14 minute response time for a nuclear launch detection. Just one misinterpreted signal and welcome to WW3. And there's no hotline setup between Russia and Washington DC to help make a decision.
That's a worst case scenario but anything's possible. And all the pressure on Russia is making it even more likely.
As for me, I will NOT accept Cold War and I will NOT accept war with Russia. So just back off, NATO!